Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a quick and easy pasta recipe for busy nights that comes together in under 30 minutes! Large succulent shrimp are coated with spicy cajun seasoning, then added to linguine and a rich creamy alfredo sauce that results in a delicious creamy spicy shrimp pasta!
2tablespooncajun seasoning (plus more depending on your desired level of heat)
¾cupdiced tomatoes (drained)
¾ cupheavy cream
¼ cupreserved pasta water
1cupParmesan cheese
2tablespoonchopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Start by preparing your pasta according to package directions. Add a little salt to the boiling water for extra flavor. When pasta has finished cooking, drain the water, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later.
Meanwhile, heat a large saucepan over the stove and sautee the red pepper and chopped onion in the 3 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
Add the garlic and saute for 1 minute more.
Add the shrimp and cajun seasoning and cook until the shrimp is pink and no longer translucent.
Add the diced tomatoes and cream and cook for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Add about ¼ cup of the pasta water to the shrimp mixture and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce.
Remove from heat and stir in parmesan cheese. Add the pasta to the sauce and stir well to combine.
Serve in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley and additional parmesan cheese.
Notes
Err on the side of caution when adding the cajun seasoning. You can always add more if you want but you can’t take it away. And, depending on what type of cajun spice you use, the heat level can vary dramatically.
Save your pasta water for the sauce! The water you cook your pasta in retains a ton of starch from the pasta. It’s great to add to the sauce to help bind it to the noodles and thicken it up a bit. I use this trick for all my pasta dishes.
Use large shrimp for this recipe. Fresh or frozen will both work!